Faith Nyasuguta
Africa’s healthcare systems are at serious risk of collapse in the coming years due to the rising burden of chronic diseases, a senior public health leader has warned.
Dr. Githinji Gitahi, CEO of Amref Health Africa, stated that foreign aid has largely focused on infectious diseases like HIV, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria, leaving non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease to escalate unchecked. Without urgent action, these conditions could become the leading cause of death in Africa by 2030.
Gitahi made these remarks at the Global NCD Alliance Forum in Kigali, Rwanda, which brought together over 700 delegates from 89 countries to discuss the growing crisis.
NCDs: A Growing Crisis in Africa
In sub-Saharan Africa, NCDs accounted for 37% of deaths in 2019, a sharp rise from 24% in 2000. Factors like unhealthy diets, sedentary lifestyles, and air pollution have contributed to this increase. In African hospitals, 50% of all admissions are due to NCDs, yet 80% of the treatment costs are paid out-of-pocket, making healthcare inaccessible for many.
Governments, struggling with limited healthcare budgets, lack the funds to manage these diseases effectively. “Africa is at high risk of a health system collapse in the next few years because of the increasing burden of NCDs,” Gitahi warned.
Why Foreign Aid Favors Infectious Diseases
Gitahi explained that global health funding is driven by donor countries’ self-interest rather than Africa’s actual needs. Less than 3% of development aid for health goes to NCDs, while diseases like HIV and TB receive substantial funding because they pose risks to donor nations.
“When you keep HIV low in Kenya, you keep it out of your country because people travel and spread diseases,” Gitahi said. “But for cancer, diabetes, and hypertension, these aren’t infectious, so foreign governments don’t prioritize them.”
Gitahi criticized multinational corporations for profiting from unhealthy products while governments fail to regulate them. “Politicians think about the next election, but this issue is about the next generation,” he said.
He called on African governments to learn from Western regulations, such as banning advertisements for foods high in sugar, salt, and fat to children. He also suggested higher taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks, with the revenue directed toward healthcare.
Impact of U.S. Aid Cuts on African Health Programs
The crisis is worsening as the U.S. government reviews its foreign aid spending, with funding cuts affecting several African health programs. The United States contributes nearly half of all development assistance in Africa, $6.5 billion out of $13 billion.
Amref, which runs projects in maternal health, HIV prevention, and health system strengthening, has already placed staff on unpaid leave due to funding uncertainties. However, Gitahi remains hopeful that the 90-day review by the Trump administration will restore some programs.
He emphasized that foreign aid is not charity, but a strategic investment by donor countries to maintain global stability. “A weak healthcare system in any country poses a risk to the entire world,” he warned.
Africa Must Take Charge of Its Own Health Future
With foreign funding uncertain, Gitahi urged African governments to take responsibility for their own healthcare systems. However, he acknowledged that African economies cannot fully replace lost aid, making universal healthcare a difficult goal.
Instead of aiming to provide healthcare for all, Gitahi suggested prioritizing coverage for 100% of the poor, rather than the entire population. “Africa cannot raise enough money from its GDP to take care of all social services. Africa needs solidarity,” he stated.
In the end, global cooperation is essential. Without strong healthcare systems, Africa’s health crisis could threaten global security, just like an insecure airspace endangers flights worldwide.
Governments, corporations, and international organizations must act now to prevent the collapse of Africa’s medical systems before it’s too late.
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